On June 17, 2026, Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar claimed that a major split is imminent within Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party (SP). [Reported/Alleged]
Rajbhar alleged that several SP leaders are preparing to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He specifically stated that senior leader Ram Gopal Yadav submitted a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. [Reported/Alleged]
According to Rajbhar, potential anxiety within the party is attributed to ongoing investigations into past issues, including the mining scam and the Gomti River Front scam. [Reported/Alleged]
The minister reiterated his claims on June 18, 2026. On that date, he advised Akhilesh Yadav to address "upset and disappointed MPs." Rajbhar suggested a rebel faction might emerge from Ballia. He also linked discontent to an alleged insult to Brahmins at a recent SP conference. [Reported/Alleged]
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav dismissed Rajbhar's claims on June 17, 2026, as baseless. He accused the BJP of engineering defections. [Verified]
In response to allegations regarding benefits and inducements for defectors, Akhilesh Yadav made a remark stating, "Dana aur gana kab tak chalega yeh afsana" (how long will their 'benefits and songs' continue). [Reported/Alleged]
SP MP Afzal Ansari denied any possibility of a split. [Verified]
Sambhal MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq affirmed the party's unity despite "temptation or pressure." [Verified]
Samajwadi Party spokesperson Juhi Singh criticized Rajbhar, calling him a "turncoat" and a mouthpiece for the BJP. [Reported/Alleged]
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya supported Rajbhar's claims on June 17, 2026. He stated that 25-26 SP MPs are ready to leave the party but denied involvement by the BJP in orchestrating defections. [Reported/Alleged]
These developments occurred ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled for 2027. [Verified]
In February 2024, seven SP MLAs reportedly cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha elections. [Verified]
In May 2026, Akhilesh Yadav called for party unity and decorum amidst internal criticism over remarks against Brahmins. [Verified]